Phoenix Zoo is located in the heart of the 12th largest metro area in the United States, within the city limits a few miles East of the downtown. It is within a large area called Papago Park that forms part of the border with the adjacent suburbs of Scottsdale and Tempe. Papago Park is mostly preserved as a natural landscape, featuring the rocky buttes and flora of the Sonoran Desert; the zoo occupies part of the park while another part is occupied by the excellent Desert Botanical Garden. Part of the zoo takes great advantage of its natural setting. The facilities and exhibits are mostly average, with a few excellent and a few poor standouts in the uneven mix. The oldest remnants date from its founding in the early 1960s. The fairly large collection is strongest for African mammals and Arizona natives, with South American mammals and birds trailing closely. The zoo is arranged on its large site in an informal pattern of broad main paths that form several loops, crossing a gently undulating terrain that includes several large lakes lined with thick clumps of fan palms. Some areas are more regionally-themed than others, but consistent identification signs help tie the disparate elements together. The major loops are Arizona Trail, Desert Lives, Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, and Childrens Trail/Harmony Farm, and I will describe each in its own paragraph in that order (which is an approximate tour of the property in a clockwise direction from the entrance). The parking lot and public bus stop are set in Papago Park and have views of the large brown rock formations that rise up from the arid landscape of dry slopes covered with saguaro cactus and palo verde and mesquite trees and shrubs; it is remarkable that this scenic area is so close to so much development. Three modern stucco ramadas form the zoo entry gateway from the lot, one topped with a large globe. This leads to a long pedestrian bridge that traverses one of the lakes lined with palms. Below, freshwater turtles swim in the large body of water. The entrance building is then reached; it and the others beyond in the entry plaza are similar in style, being low modern stucco ones in an informal arrangement. One houses the Zoo Shop, another restrooms and the Karibu Cafe, and the other is the Savanna Grill surrounded by outdoor tables. The entry building itself has ticket booths and a large open-air shelter that forms the turnstile entry; for some reason there is an average small aquatic tank on a stand in one corner, for Amazon river ray and a few unidentified fish. This entry plaza is pleasant but not memorable; fortunately, the entry to the first loop trail of exhibits is detailed in a similar style nearby so that it forms a unified introductory experience. However, just past one side of the entry plaza is a strange assortment of non-animal facilities including an historic house, pavilion, small amphitheater, carousel, and playground. There is also a ramada that acts as the Safari Train Station; this extra-fee ride is actually a narrated vehicular tour of the largest loops of zoo pathways rather than a small circuit on a track. I did not take the tour so I can not comment on its content. The final feature of the entrance area before the exhibit loops are reached is Stingray Bay, which opened about a week after I visited. It looked like it would be an average elevated pool for petting rays, covered by a fabric awning for shade. Its odd shape, clumsy small rock waterfall spilling into it on one side, and ill-considered location next to the entrance of the major exhibit for native fauna did not impress me as a worthwhile addition. I understand it is actually a seasonal attraction that has been there for several years. Zoo Entrance from parking lot: Arizona Trail is the loop path closest to the entrance plaza, and its entry shelter and other small shelters and occasional walls match the simple modern stucco style of the entry buildings. Most of this themed exhibit complex dates from the 1980s and forms a nice but uneven experience. Its greatest asset is the natural Sonoran Desert landscape in which it is set, with the animal exhibits scattered along the path and landscaped with the same native species. It is also strong in its large collection of native animals. The entry shelter leads to a door to a walk-through aviary that is at the center of many exhibits in the first part of the trail. The aviary is a large rectangular netted space with a flat cover; inside is a path that nearly circles a landscaped area of shrubs and a tiny waterway. I saw very few birds within this free-flight area, and did not see a species sign either. Near the entry, a low circular walled exhibit within the aviary (for tortoise?) was being renovated, so that may explain the lack of activity and signage at the time. One smaller part of the aviary is separately netted, and was also unsigned, but I spotted turkey vulture and wild turkey within. A small pond in a corner is also within the central aviary space and contains Gila topminnow, a small freshwater fish that gives birth to live young. One side of the aviary leads to a short enclosed hallway in a low stucco building lined with terrariums, mostly for reptiles and amphibians. There are 13 exhibits here, with 10 of them in average wall tanks and 3 in small glazed rooms. The detailing within these exhibits is mostly crude, but it’s a nice collection of locals. The 10 smaller exhibits are for: desert pupfish (the only aquarium), Sonoran desert toad, canyon treefrog and Madrean alligator lizard, Sonoran desert toad (again), Grand Canyon rattlesnake, Arizona black rattlesnake, St. Helena mountain kingsnake, Woodhouses toad, common chuckwalla, and Sonoran desert toad (a third exhibit for this species). The 3 larger exhibits are for: coachwhip and Western diamondback rattlesnake; Mojave rattlesnake, Grand Canyon rattlesnake, and tiger rattlesnake; and Gila monster, Sonoran gopher snake, black-tailed rattlesnake, Southwestern speckled rattlesnake, and Arizona black rattlesnake. On the other side of the aviary, a similar hallway in a low building is entered and is called Amazing Amphibians. The 20 small wall tank exhibits here have average detailing inside and mostly feature exotic amphibians from varied climates rather than natives. Since they are located in a separate room and out of sight from the other exhibits, their break with the geographic focus of the exhibit complex does not detract from it. Each tank contains one species, and they are: common mud puppy, emperor newt, tiger salamander, blue dart frog, Chiricahua leopard frog, striped newt, Amazon milky treefrog, Surinam toad, Great Plains toad, gray treefrog, Bornean eared frog, green-and-black dart frog, Whites treefrog, mossy frog, African bullfrog, Chinese gliding frog, Asia fire-belly toad, dyeing dart frog, Budgetts frog, and hourglass treefrog. Back in the central aviary space, a small low-walled yard is for black-tailed prairie dog, with a nice burrow system dug by the colony. There is also an adjoining smaller walkthrough aviary before exiting this first complex, for burrowing owl and roadrunner displayed behind a glass railing from the walkway. After exiting the aviary, the exhibit loop continues around a corner and another walk-through aviary is entered; this time it is a smaller one and the single species inside is actually separated by netting from the walkway. It contains golden eagle, but the space is not large enough for flight although it is nicely landscaped with several perching areas. Back outside, a spur off the main path leads to a shelter called Desert Grove that interprets water usage and supply in the city; nearby is a small pond for desert pupfish. Back on the main path, the three best exhibits of the complex are adjacent to one another. They are large yards for coyote, collared peccary, and pronghorn. They are viewed from matching stucco and metal railing areas slightly raised above the habitats. While the perimeters are contained with simple chainlink fencing (or a stucco wall in the case of the peccaries) the sloping landscapes and flora within match the natural landscape that surrounds them quite effectively. Next to the pronghorn, a simulated rocky outcrop features several fissures around its perimeter that are contained with netting; inside is a rather small but cool and shady lair for mountain lion. The view inside for visitors is only from one side, allowing a partial glimpse of the various rocky nooks and perches. A similar exhibit nearby is for bobcat, but is much smaller and easier to view. A spur from the main trail leads to a dead-end nearby, which is the viewing area for another large yard and three aviaries. The large yard is for Mexican wolf; it is lusher and shadier than the previous large yards, but features very poor viewing behind the unbroken chainlink perimeter fence and sightlines through the vegetation are not maintained. Opposite, the three aviaries are rather tall square ones supported by large wood poles supporting mesh sides and tops. Wire chutes connect all three together for display flexability. They are well-shaded by native pines. Two of them contain a combination of thick-billed parrot and pinyon jay, while the last is for great horned owl. Adjacent to them but viewed from a different part of the path is a larger rectangular aviary for Andean condor that is roomy enough for limited flight. It is a nice exhibit, despite the exotic species currently displayed being an obvious break from the geographic theme of the complex. The last exhibit of the complex is seen shortly before the path ends where it began at the entry shelter: a nice medium-sized stucco-walled yard filled with deadfalls for white-nosed coati. It is viewed from a stucco and metal railing area along one side of a small moat. There is also a small window on one side that views a den connected to the yard. Coyote Exhibit in Arizona Trail: Desert Lives is my favorite exhibit complex at the zoo, despite only featuring two species in its large area. It is a side trail that branches off from the Africa Trail described later, and its length can be experienced from either of its two separate entrances. Its focus is not geographic; instead, it interprets two hoofstock species from different extremely arid areas of the world. Both species are especially important to the zoo: Desert bighorn sheep are a subspecies of bighorn sheep native to the surrounding Southwest and help further interpret the native fauna highlighted in the previous Arizona Trail; Arabian oryx are an endangered species that have been saved from extinction by the zoo and its famous ‘Operation Oryx’ when the first captive breeding population was established here. The exhibit complex that has been created to highlight these animals is magnificent; its greatest asset is the integration of the surrounding natural landscape. Beginning with the South entrance to the trail, it is entered through a striking modern archway made of rusted steel; on one side is a curving low wall made of rusticated adobe blocks, with the exhibit complex name spelled in rusted steel raised letters across its face. The path leads directly to an interpretive area; it is covered by a rusted steel shelter similar to the entry archway, and surrounded by low curving walls similar to the entry sign. The walls here house graphics that interpret some of the smaller creatures of the Sonoran Desert, as well as a drinking fountain with an interpretive display about the scarcity of water in the region. The view from the shelter is of the open slopes of the desert hills, dotted with the sparse green shrubs and small trees and saguaro and cholla cacti. The trail continues from here on a winding course as it gently climbs through more of the landscape to reach the first exhibit. It begins with a round nook lined with low walls, with a higher adobe wall on one side with a statue of a bighorn in front. From here, the main viewing area begins, a long raised architectural platform that spans a small ravine. The platform is contained with steel railings and has three spotting scopes attached for scanning the immense habitat for desert bighorn sheep that looms in front of the viewer. The habitat is dry and rocky, and its slope quickly rises to the base of one of the large rocky buttes of Papago Park providing a true natural habitat for the sheep to climb. It is a joy to see the herd surveying much of the desert and city from their high vantage point. Their enclosure is contained with fencing around the perimeter of the butte to form a large area; I believe I read that it is 5 acres! It is dotted with some native trees, and a natural-looking small rocky waterhole and feeding pad are located further down the slope and closer to the viewing area. The sheep can descend all the way down to the viewing platform; a log suspended from the platform overhang encourages rubbing and headbutting, but I did not see the herd come close. As if this fantastic exhibit was not enough, there is another similar habitat for the same species surrounding the next rocky butte in the distance! Unfortunately, there is no closer viewing area for it, so it is only seen from the first exhibit area or the path that leads away from it. I believe that in the past there was a spur trail to a viewing area for the second exhibit, but it is closed off. I know that at one time the second exhibit was for Nubian ibex (from my 1985 visit). The path starts to descend a slope and reaches the Desert Lives Amphitheater, which acts as the transitional interpretive area. On one side of the path is a curved adobe wall that has graphics and a timeline of the desert bighorn sheep; a matching wall on the other side has similar graphics and a timeline of the Arabian oryx. The small classroom-sized amphitheater nearby is a round one with several concrete seating steps and a low stage, contained within the desert by matching low walls and shaded by a few sand-colored triangular fabric awnings. The path continues to curve and descend to the main viewing area for the Arabian oryx exhibit, which is centered on another round nook surrounded by low curving walls, an oryx statue, graphics about Operation Oryx, and another drinking fountain with water scarcity graphics next to it. The habitat is another large fenced one, this time a gently sloping one with more arid shrubs and trees than the sheep enclosures; it is not as large and not surrounding a butte, but is more appropriate for this species and is still a fine habitat. Several smaller yards are located to one side of the habitat for separating the highly managed herd but are difficult to view. The viewing area is situated so that it looks across much of the exhibit to see the desert bighorn exhibit buttes in the distance, a good use of atmopheric scenery. In fact, the path and bighorn exhibit viewing platform experienced earlier provides views down into the oryx enclosure as well. The path ends (or begins) nearby at another archway and sign where it rejoins the Africa Trail. The low curved adobe walls with the sign match the other entry archway area, but this time the archway is a suspended fabric awning that evokes a desert tent and matches the amphitheater awnings. The few exhibits in this complex are great and their setting is superb; the layout, consistent interpretive graphics, and evocative quality site details such as the walls and shelters elevate this complex to excellence. Desert Bighorn Sheep Exhibit in Desert Lives: Africa Trail is the largest loop path and is the starting and ending point for the Desert Lives complex described above. A small exhibit near Desert Lives is for fennec, with a small average rocky yard and den viewed behind glass windows from a small area covered with a sand-colored awning similar to those used in Desert Lives. It is not the first exhibit seen, but I mention it here because it acts as a precursor to the other complex. The first exhibit seen on Africa Trail is actually the Savanna, a very nice 4 acre habitat with a long main viewing area at the far end of the zoo entrance plaza. Its location makes it the most visible premier exhibit at the zoo. Its expanse slopes away from the viewing area, with the tops of the bighorn exhibit buttes forming a scenic backdrop in the distance. The habitat is mostly composed of open grassy areas with scattered date palms, with several dry rocky patches and a shaded small waterhole in the foreground. It contains a nice mix of reticulated giraffe (I saw 5), Masai giraffe (1), Watusi cattle, common eland, gerenuk, Thompsons gazelle, ostrich, lappet-faced vulture, Ruppells griffon vulture, yellow-billed stork, East African crowned crane, and helmeted guineafowl. A rustic elevated viewing shelter is climbed by a stairway on one side for higher views of the giraffes, and a giraffe feeding platform is occasionally open on the far side of the exhibit for a view down across the habitat. Adjacent is a similar but smaller savanna for Grevys zebra and marabou stork. In a clockwise direction, the path ascends a rise and passes the fennec exhibit and Desert Lives exhibits described previously, then arrives at two adjacent carnivore exhibits that form an oval; one for Sumatran tiger, the other for African lion. Both are average small yards surrounded by walled dry moats and viewed through fences on top of the moat walls. The two are separated by a simulated rock outcrop that houses their bedrooms. They are unremarkable exhibits but at least they are green and lush. Future plans include a new tiger exhibit in the Tropics Trail area instead of the current one here. Next is an average fenced dry yard for warthog, followed by two small ugly wire aviaries, one for Von der Deckens hornbill and the other for green wood hoopoe, Lady Ross turaco, and red-and-yellow barbet. Nearby is an average medium walled yard for Southern white rhinoceros, Spekes gazelle, and Egyptian goose; it is viewed from two sides and features a few areas small enough for the gazelles and geese to escape from the rhinos if need be! Next is an open yard viewed from a moat on one side for meerkat; it is nicely detailed with termite mounds and rock outcrops on several sides, and is rather large for display of this species. I believe that it formerly housed gorillas but am not sure! If so it probably received much renovation to result in the current exhibit. Nearby is a pair of matching rocky grottos for mandrill and Hamadryas baboon; they are fairly nice and viewed from across long rocky moats or a large outdoor window area between the two. Both are mostly flat grassy yards dotted with a few shade trees and deadfalls and boulders for climbing. Three nice fenced yards follow: the first is a very large open sloped yard for Mhorr gazelle, Kirks dik-dik, Kori bustard, and Sulcata tortoise (I do not remember ever seeing this species elsewhere); the second is a grassy slope for African wild dog viewed across a water moat; and the third is for cheetah, similar to the dog exhibit but with more trees. From here, the Africa theme begins to lose focus. The Conservation Center is a nice small modern facility of a few low buildings shaded by triangular awnings. There are windows looking into the labs, where natives such as Chiricahua leopard frogs and narrow-headed gartersnakes are raised by the thousands to be released back in the wild. A new addition in the back of the center will be for the successful black-footed ferret breeding and release program. Nearby is a sad yard and shelter for dromedary camel rides…blah. This is at one of the junctions with the Tropics Trail described later, and several varied exhibits and facilites converge here. An average small rocky grotto and pool for spotted-necked otter is nearby, as well as a bland pond for flamingo (I did not note the species). This is on one side of Main Lake, a large scenic lake surrounded by clumps of fan palms in an oasis-like setting at the core of the zoo. It features two nice island exhibits near the Africa side planted with palms for lemurs: one for ringtailed lemur and the other for red-ruffed lemur. Grevys Zebra and Marabou Stork Exhibit in Africa Trail: Tropics Trail is the least organized large loop path with the greatest number of mismatched exhibit facilities from different eras. I will describe it in a clockwise direction from the area closest to the entrance plaza. It begins on the edge of Main Lake with Land of the Dragons, a nice newer complex of two walled yards for Komodo dragon. Both are similar, with attractive small viewing shelters and graphics. Both have glass window viewing into the grassy and rocky yards, with glass railings on the far sides to allow views for the dragons to the lake beyond. There is also a statue for visitors to climb, and a window into a bedroom in another small building as well. The complex is vaguely Southeast Asian. Across from it are two ugly small older aviaries for king vulture and scarlet macaw. Next is Tropical Flights, a group of six modern attractive medium-sized aviaries in a lush jungle trail setting. Five of them are viewed next to the winding path: two are for rhinoceros hornbill; one is for pied imperial pigeon and helmeted friarbird; one is for Mariana fruit dove and eclectus parrot; and the last is for yellow-faced mynah and crowned pigeon. The sixth aviary is a walk-through one, and is a bit larger than the others. It contains metallic starling, Nicobar pigeon, Bali mynah, Indian pygmy goose, fairy bluebird, ferruginous duck, masked lapwing, and magpie robin. There is also a matching viewing shelter on the edge of the lake that is close to the third island in Main Lake, a nice grassy exhibit with palms and poles and ropes for buff-cheeked gibbon. Next is a horrible old round pit shaded by a domed awning structure for Bornean orangutan. Its days are extremely numbered: next to it is a promising new exhibit complex under construction for two large habitats for orangutans, opening in February 2011. After skirting the edge of the lake, the path arrives at Cavern Café, a small counter-service eatery with a lakeside dining terrace next to a themed rocky play area called Yakulla Caverns that begins the main concentration of South American exhibits. Monkey Village is a nice attractive exhibit for squirrel monkey. Rather than being caged, this species has a large lush environment to explore that is contained within high fence walls topped with overhanging plastic baffles that prevent escape. Visitors can view the exhibit from a raised platform contained with glass railings, or can enter a pavilion doorway to actually enter a path through the habitat! Touching and feeding is not allowed and staff are always present to supervise, but it is a thrill to be so close and get unobstructed views. Nearby is an average fenced yard filled with large grassy clumps for maned wolf and giant anteater, and a poor small timberpole-and-mesh cage for black howler monkey. An unattractive pair of messy dry yards in a shaded lowspot add to the unimpressive group here, one for Chacoan peccary (rarely exhibited species deserve better!) and one for rhea and crested screamer. Breaking the South American theme here is the Equine Facility, entered by a short spur path lined with several horse-and-rider statues. This dry dusty area has a large stable and covered riding ring for domestic horses, and classes are offered for kids in the care of horses. Why this facility is not located near the domestic farm area described later is beyond my understanding. The next exhibit complex returns to South America, and is a more recent one called Forest of Uco. It begins with a themed and detailed street of facades of a rustic South American village along the main path. From here it enters a loop path that branches from the main path. What lies beyond I have only seen in pictures…it was closed when I visited for behavioral studies of the bears. I understand that it is a nice complex with exhibits for pacu, macaw, Andean bear, and boa, but I can not comment on its quality or details. Continuing on the main path, a poor small ugly aviary for golden conure is passed as well as a larger average timberpole and mesh aviary for roseate spoonbill, scarlet ibis, and black-necked stilt. This is on the edge of a very large wetlands exhibit for Chilean flamingo and American white pelican. The wetlands is composed of a large grassy slope, a large still waterway, and a visitor pier and pavilion that extends into the exhibit. I understand this was formerly an alligator exhibit; for either setup, it is an impressive size. Four nice old rocky reptile yards follow, landscaped with a variety of cactus around their perimeters: two are for Aldabra tortoise, one for Galapagos tortoise, and one for rhinoceros iguana. Next is a grouping of 5 average medium timberpole-and-mesh aviaries in a shady area for keel-billed toucan, hawk-headed parrot and blue-grey tanager, plush-crested jay, black-throated magpie jay, and blue-crowned motmot. At the end of this grouping is a matching exhibit for jaguar; it is larger than the bird enclosures but is fairly bland and poor. Completing the Tropics Trail is an older Asian elephant yard contained with tall sloping curved walls excavated in the earth around most of its perimeter and dominated by a large central bathing hole. Tall shade structures are scattered around and the side closest to the barn can be reached from a spur path to view the exhibit through metal bars at ground level. Squirrel Monkey Exhibit viewing area in Monkey Village in Tropics Trail: Childrens Trail and Harmony Farm form the final large trail and are reached from two different points on the Tropics Trail, separated from it by large long lake. Together they form an average complex and I will describe them from the side closest to the entrance. Childrens Trail probably dates from the last 15 years and features far more small animal exhibits than traditional kids play areas. It is entered as it passes a large group reservation and events area on the lakeside called Plaza de los Ninos with multiple terraces and pavilions. A bridge then crosses the narrow lake and the winding paths through the exhibits begin. The most sophisticated design for an exhibit is the first one encountered, a walk-through yard called Wallaby Walkabout for red-necked wallaby. It is enclosed by low curving walls of stucco and slats of steel, and features nicely detailed boomerang-shaped benches and railings separating visitors from the animals. Their habitat is a nice medium yard with several mounds and boulders and small eucalyptus trees. It can also be viewed from a raised area outside the enclosure, which is next to a small stucco building with two room exhibits behind glass that currently display a temporary exhibition of koalas on loan from San Diego Zoo. A small open playground dominated by a saguaro cactus-shaped slide and a rustic ramada are nearby. Next are three side-by-side average small cages for cotton-top tamarin, white-fronted marmoset, and golden lion tamarin that are rather bare. An L-shaped yard with a nice viewing area of steel railings and rockwork and a small stream is for Calamian deer, but their exhibit visually suffers from the ugly barn and back wood fence that dominate their bare narrow enclosure. Next to the deer viewing area is an attractive rockwork outcrop that forms an outdoor interpretive shelter with lifesize animal statues from an African Waterhole, including baboons and elephants and a lion and ostrich and kudu and warthog. It is covered with a steel structure that supports a shade awning. Another small stucco building called Small Wonders has wide overhangs that shelter visitors as they walk around its four sides to view 17 average small wall tanks for: red bellied piranha, jungle carpet python, fig beetle and Beyers scarab beetle, darkling beetle, long-horned cactus beetle, ground beetle, vinegaroon, Sonoran desert toad, Madagascan hissing cockroach, Brazilian red-rumped tarantula, desert centipede, velvet ant, diving beetle, ferocious water bug, praying mantis, desert hairy scorpion, and Arizona stripe-tailed scorpion. Another interpretive shelter called Animal Kingdom is nearly identical to the previous one, with the exception that its statues are more numerous and illustrate members of a wide variety animal types. The best traditional exhibit in the complex is the next one, contained within a large yard by rocky walls and featuring a small waterfall spilling inside: it is for Visayan warty pig. Asimilar smaller pond area is for black swan. Following these, the trail winds past 7 matching wire cages that are rather poorly detailed and on the small size for their inhabitants; each varies in size and layout but the overall effect is a series of boring enclosures in a decent leafy setting. They contain: green oropendula, helmeted currasow, and red-legged sereima; violet turaco, Pemba flying fox, and South African crested porcupine; black-capped lory; spectacled owl; bald eagle; caracal; and ocelot. The final exhibit of Childrens Trail is much better, being a grassy island in the lake planted with fan and date palms and featuring poles and ropes for siamang. Harmony Farm begins with a simulated millhouse on the lakeside, with a dock for peddleboat rentals. Then the simple agrarian architecture takes over in the cluster of barns and yards for domestic animals, punctuated by a simulated schoolhouse and a windmill and silo and tractors and farm-themed play area. The barns include a large one with a goat petting yard and corrals for miniature zebu and other cattle; a sheep barn for Navajo churro sheep and others; a turkey and chicken barn with large wire enclosures at each end; and a horse barn with several corrals around it. It is a nice but not a memorable complex. Siamang Exhibit in Childrens Trail: Phoenix Zoo’s uneven mix of facilities and exhibit styles do not make it an outstanding zoo, but it is still well worth a visit. I rank it at number 31 of the 57 zoo facilities I have seen. None of its themed exhibit complexes make my top 50 list; I love Desert Lives but its limited mix of two species does not compete with many other complexes that feature a wider range of animal types. However, in my top 25 list of individual large mammal exhibits, the desert bighorn sheep exhibit in Desert Lives is number 10, and the savanna in Africa Trail is not far off the list. For my top 25 individual small mammal exhibits, the walkthrough squirrel monkey exhibit of Monkey Village is number 20. Adult general admission is $18, overpriced by $2. I have posted more pictures in the gallery.
Thanks for the review Geomorph! I am headed to the Phoenix Zoo at the end of the month and this was most helpful. I am glad they have improved the oranatan exhibit since you wrote this.
@ scott.c.hansen - The orangutan exhibit is certainly improved from the monstrosity they used to have, but do not get your hopes up too much. It is still subpar in my opinion and considering they spent over $3 million on it, there is no excuse for how unnatural it is. Geomorphs review is spot on and I would agree with it almost completely. The only reason I say almost is because having the non-native amphibian building and andean condor exhibit on the Arizona Trail bothers me a lot more than it does him. I also dislike how they added domestic watusi cattle to the otherwise outstanding savanna. The single best exhibits in the zoo in my opinion are the neighboring wild dog and cheetah habitats. They are nearly identical and for a reason - they were originally both cheetah exhibits. They have water fronts (and I was surprised to see here that wild dogs actually go into the water) and unrestricted viewing over a rail. Although the back perimiters are chain link fencing, the natural slope of the hill makes it very easy to get photos that look like they were taken in the wild (unless the animals are right up against the back fence). The zoo also rents four-wheeled pedal bicycles or they will let you take in your own bicycle. This is the only zoo in the U.S. that I know of that allows bicycling on zoo grounds! (As a cyclist myself they get extra points for this, although I have never taken my bike up there).
Thanks for the info Arizona Docent. That is too bad about the orangutan exhibit. With the money spent and how new it is; one would hope that it was cutting edge. Have you seen the Oregon Zoo's Red Ape reserve yet? I am wonder for a point of comparison how you think this exhibits rates next to the one of the same age at the PHX Zoo.
I read somewhere that Phoenix had Andean condors on their Arizona Trail in order to test the exhibit to see if it would work for California condors eventually. Does anyone know if that is likely to happen? I'm not sure how I feel about watusi cattle being on savanna exhibits. The reality in East Africa at least is that cattle are part of the human communities within savanna ecosystems. I think watusi cattle are cool. Should they be exhibited with giraffes, etc.? Many savanna exhibits have mishmashes of giraffes, antelopes, and birds that may not actually co-occur so I'm not sure that adding cattle is any more "unnatural" than that.
Let me offer a review counter to the one offered by Arizona Docent. The new orangutan exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo may not offer the illusion of being in a Bornean rainforest, but for animal management and guest enjoyment, the exhibit is excellent. I will add here that Arizona Docent saw the exhibit shortly after opening, and many of the things he complained about simply weren't finished yet. The bulk of the 3 million would appear to have been spent behind the scenes, as the orangutan night/house, keeper office, veterinary facility is quite extensive and offers the zoo veterinarians the ability to treat the orangutans without them ever having to leave the facility. The exhibit offers face-to-face viewing through numerous vantage-points from ground level to treetop. There is an indoor viewing facility (much needed in Phoenix's scorching summers) as well as indoor day rooms for use by the orangutans for when the temperature drops too low, or is too high (surprisingly the orangs don't have much tolerance for heat). These day rooms are simple, with a series of nets and ropes for climbing but they do have windows looking out over the exhibit area, so the view is still pleasant. All in all, a very nice, spacious and entertaining exhibit. Whether this is true or not, I don't know, however through their signage the zoo interprets California condors, relating them to the Andean condors on display. (Frankly, since condors are new to Arizona, having been extinct in the state since the late Pleistocene, what does it really matter?) Cattle have been grazing the grasslands of East Africa for tens of thousands of years and are essentially a part of the ecology. If you were to travel to Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, you would find herds of cattle roaming the plains (watched over by the Masai) along with herds of antelope, zebras, giraffes. Cattle and Masaai in Ngorongoro crater, Ngorongoro, Tanzania Here is some interesting reading on the subject. Zebras versus cattle: Not so black and white
Apparently California condors were at least sporadically present in Arizona into the 1920s (California Condor Recovery), so I guess that their presence on the Arizona Trail would make historic sense...at least more than Andean condors! I was surprised that there were no black-footed ferrets on display since Phoenix Zoo is invested in their conservation. Has there ever been a ferret exhibit here?
Phoenix has in the past displayed black-footed ferrets. They were found in the nocturnal house on the Arizona Trail (now Amazing Amphibians). Balls of cream colored fur is pretty much all I ever saw. Speaking of the amphibian display in the Arizona trail, I've noticed the species mix slowly containing more and more natives. Perhaps eventually all the exotic species from 2008's Year of the Frog campaign will be phased out. Honestly I would like to see them add native invertebrates to this display as well.
Originally, the condors were only supposed to be a temporary thing. They were from the LA Zoo, which was apparently going to build them a bigger enclosure. Since they are still here in Phoenix after 2 or 3 years, it doesn't seem likely they're going back. I always thought having Andean Condors in an area that was supposed to be native animals was odd, but I guess if they're now trying to say they're similar enough to California Condors, that's okay. There are condors flying wild around the Grand Canyon now. I still lament the 'loss' of the Bald Eagle aviary, though. Now if I want to see them I have to go to the Children's trail. The zoo no longer rents bikes and, in fact, has sold off the ones they did used to rent. I believe you are still allowed to bring your own, though. I just don't see too many people doing it. As for the Wild Dogs going into the water at the front of their exhibit, it's quite amusing and fun to watch, especially because it gets the Cheetahs worked up and they walk up and down the fence line. For quite some time the Cheetahs were actually able to see the Wild Dogs, but then they put up the bamboo on the fence and now they can only hear and smell them. Scott Hansen, I hope you enjoy your visit to the zoo. I grew up a mile from the zoo and still live about a mile away. I really enjoy visiting and you'll have to let us know what you thought of it.
This is true. The crappy beach combers they used to rent are now used by the employees. They work most of the time lol At this point guests are still able to bring their bikes, and believe me, it's a really NICE way to get around a BIG zoo (the zoo covers 125 acres including behind the scenes areas). There is some murmurings about them eliminating that though since people seem to be abusing it lately and tearing around at high speeds. It's still under discussion. As for the Andean Condors, there is much signage about California Condors around the exhibit. Last I heard we were still hoping to get a pair of Californias. I will try to get down to the "Diversity in the Desert" display in the AZ Aviary and get you guys a list of what's in there now. It is all non venomous snakes, lizards, amphibians etc. Oh- and PS about the orangutan exhibit. I have been "underneath" and it is incredible! Not only are there 4 "bedrooms", a complete keeper office area, and a complete kitchen. There is also a surgical room and a recovery room too so that the Orangutans never have to be relocated for medical procedures. A lot of the "kinks" of the exhibit have also been worked out in the year it's been opened now. There were lots of little quirks that needed to be figured out. It's nice that we basically have 4 display areas that can be closed off from each other while still having animals highly visable-and 2 of which are air conditioned. The bilik area (indoor guest viewing area) is also the ONLY air conditioned area (other than the gift shop) in the whole zoo...so it is a nice place to take a cool rest- and I guarantee you will find me eating my lunch in there quite often later this spring and during the summer!
Thank you for the "insider's perspective" on the new orangutan exhibit. Are you a docent or keeper? you obviously work there in some capacity, I'm guessing. I was a docent years ago. You're not kidding about people zipping around the zoo on bikes. heh. My ex-roommate worked there and he rode his bike all over the place...he tore through that place like it was the daytona 500!
I am an Experience Guide which means that I work anywhere that the public may come into contact with the animals- Monkey Village, Stingray Bay, Giraffe Encounter, Petting Zoo and formerly, Wallaby Walkabout. I sort of act as a mediator between guests and animals, either keeping them apart (Monkey Village) or showing them the proper way to interact. I also drive the Safari Train, so I basically know the ins and outs of the zoo at this point. Because we work so closely with the animals for 8+ hour shifts, we tend to know their behavior and can tell changes in them as well so we work with the keepers pretty closely. This also means we get to have perks like going behind the scenes and such. And then we get to see cool stuff like this : I really love my job and I really love my zoo too!
Oh wow, that is really cool! I would love to see that, being the cheetah lover that I am. I was actually going to be an Experience Guide almost 2 years ago, but then my dad got sick and I was no longer available on weekends and since I work during the week that was the only time I could do it. Now my mom lives with me and my weekends are usually booked with taking her places.
It really is the best job I have ever had. The pay sucks- oh the joys of working for a non-profit!- but I absolutely love going to work every day. The people that work there are the some of the best people I have ever met in my life. I have never had a job where I have had so many friends, so much support and such an awesome opportunity every day. Pay isn't everything. To be able to work someplace you love, doing something you love, surrounded by the awesomeness that is this zoo- well, if you ever get the opportunity, I can't recommend it enough.
Ohhhh. You're one of those paid people. Like Jeremy B? (don't want to put his last name here). Well, I envy you that you have a job you enjoy going to daily, even if the pay is bad. That is wonderful that you can have that experience.
I don't think you mentioned this, but this zoo holds the endangered Sonoran pronghorn subspecies. Other than maybe LA (which I think breeds Sonoran AND Peninsular), I am not sure what other zoos have these.
I was there four years ago, and there were big projects next to the elephant enclosure that keepers thought would become a second space for the three pachyderms, none of whom can share space. There was also a big project at the for right of the zoo, beyond the elephants, so we definitely need an update of the zoo here! Btw, I've heard that most golden eagles in human care have suffered wing injuries that preclude their reintroduction into the wild. Maybe that's why the aviary Gerenuk mentioned has such limited space for flight.
There are updates in the Phoenix Zoo News thread (this is a visit review thread). You can find the news thread here: Phoenix Zoo News [Phoenix Zoo] I also posted a photo of the elephant expansion construction in the gallery.
